RE: If kits didn't exist ?
I'm 32 but I'm still in my kit building infancy; so far I'm enjoying it. That being said, I probably like flying more than working on things, but only because I'm not that mechanically inclined, nor a very good craftsman! My brother is just the opposite; he is always working on something, is a good builder and craftsman...but rarely flys. In fact, I've flown his planes more times than he has! I hope with time I'll enjoy the build (or assembly, in the case of ARFs) as much as I enjoy doing flat spins and lomcevaks.